Belarith

Scene 5 of 'The Blackguard'. (Start: [link] )

next in sequence:
[link]

previous in sequence: [link]
---

The lady Belarith stands on the parapet of her father's castle of Nazmart, above the town. Her troubled young face reflects the troubled times. Weeks ago, the noblest knights of Aratan- the few left to the ravaged realm- had ridden to war. They had gone to join with their nation's historical allies, the armies of Gaia and the Knights of Esa, against the fiendish hordes of Serpion and the unholy alliance of blackguards, dark mages, kracken and gargers.

They had gone despite the reticence of Aratan's king, Miguel, who was still in the capital, awaiting the outcome of events before deciding his allegiance. Belarith's brother Sikandor was one of those paladins who had placed their duty to their fellow men and the cause of good above their allegiance to the self-preserving king in Malaska, and who had faced an uncertain fate in battle somewhere beyond Havenvale. Belarith fretted over her brother, waited for some word and watched for some messenger who might reveal his fate.
___

Fair Belarith of Nazmart
stood on the parapet
of her father's rugged fortress
for her brother did she fret.
The breeze did stir her raven hair
as darker drew the sky
she kept vigil for Sikandor
and her worry made her sign.
The brave sons of the county
he had led away to war
to do battle with invaders
and the outcome wasn't sure.